Chapter 81: Boss!
The air in the Imperial Fashion store crackled with tension as a middle-aged woman, Maggie, the store manager, hurried towards the group, her high heels a sharp staccato against the polished floor. Her bandage dress, a testament to her professional composure, couldn’t quite conceal the anxiety etched on her face.
"Mr. Jim!" she exclaimed, her voice a delicate balance between deference and concern.
Jim, his face flushed with anger, pointed a rigid finger at Advika. "You’re here, Maggie! Now, ask this... this bitch to take off that dress, and while you’re at it, have her slap herself ten times!"
Maggie’s brow furrowed in confusion. "This...?" she asked, her gaze shifting between Advika and the visibly distressed sales girl.
The sales girl, sensing the gravity of the situation, stepped forward, her voice trembling slightly. "Manager! It’s not Miss’s fault. I didn’t know the dress was already booked. I let her try it on. They were even ready to pay for it."
Eris, her voice dripping with disdain, scoffed. "Pay for it? Hmph! I know Advika. Her family isn’t exactly rolling in wealth. How could she possibly afford a custom dress costing tens of thousands?"
Maggie’s mind raced:
’No one ordered a custom dress. This lady is clearly being targeted. But Mr. Jim is a diamond membership holder. Crossing him would be disastrous for business. What should I do?’ Her eyes darted between Eris, Advika, and then back again. Finally, she made a decision.
"Okay," she said, her voice firm but conciliatory. "I understand there’s been a misunderstanding." She turned to Advika. "Miss, this dress is already booked. Would you please take it off?"
’I need to tread carefully.’ She thought. ’They claim this lady has no background, but how did she get into Imperial Fashion without money? And the sales girl said ’they,’ implying a man or a wealthy benefactor brought her here.’
Jim’s face contorted in rage. "What are you saying, Manager Maggie?! She slapped me! I won’t let that slide!"